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02/06/2006 Archived Entry: "Ranking Boxing’s Undefeated Champions"
Ranking Boxing’s Undefeated Champions
By Greg Goodrich
Courtesy of Boxing Press
There are 23 undefeated belt holders, champions and/or titlists as it were, in professional boxing today. The average fight fan couldn’t name five of them. Even the most ardent of boxing aficionados would be hard pressed to recite from memory this list. Interestingly, all four major sanctioning bodies are well represented. Leading the way is the World Boxing Association with nine fighters, followed by the World Boxing Organization with eight; the International Boxing Federation with five: and the World Boxing Council with four. Only in boxing does 26 boxers actually equal 23 champions.
The reason for this discrepancy is simple; and in boxing, whenever we can make things simple, we gladly take the opportunity to explain a plausible theory and sensible concept. Jermain Taylor is the WBC, WBA, WBO, Undisputed, World Middleweight Champion. Arthur Abraham recently claimed his vacant IBF title. Ricky Hatton- likewise the Undisputed, World Junior Welterweight Champion- is only recognized by the WBA and IBF. Last but certainly not least, is the WBA Bantamweight title, where the regular champion is Wladimir Sidorenko; and the interim titlist is Poonsawat Kratingdaengym.
The list will soon shrink by at least two fighters, as WBO Super Middleweight Champion Joe Calzaghe is set to face IBF counterpart Jeff Lacy in a showdown for the Undisputed and Ring’s World Super Middleweight title. WBO Junior Featherweight champion Joan Guzman is also moving up four pounds to face WBO Featherweight champion Scott Harrison. Finally, WBA Featherweight belt holder Chris John is scheduled to fight the man generally considered champion Juan Manual Marquez. Though the WBA and IBF titles will be on the line; most boxing insiders consider this the marquee showdown to determine who the legitimate Undisputed, World Featherweight Champion is. Ironically enough, in two of these aforementioned situations, the man who previously held the title is facing a contender who claimed his vacated belt or abdicated title.
As best as possible, I have researched the fighters, and tried to categorically rank them in chronological order, based upon their records, quality of opposition, recent success, potential and pound for pound standing, regardless of weight class. Records are provided for each titleholder; along with whom they beat for what title they presently hold. For all of my ardent, detail oriented fight fans; I’ve also included all belts won for each boxing champion, in addition to their next scheduled bout (if known, listed; otherwise identified as to be announced). Without further adieu, I bid you the ranking of professional boxing’s 23 undefeated champions in descending order. You know, this list would be far more impressive if it weren’t for the fact that most names appearing do so because they didn’t have to beat the actual champion in the division that they hold titles for- um huh. This isn’t an exact science, mind you, as ‘the sweet science’ is more sour of sports these days.
23. Vlademir Pereira (23-0, 15 KO’s)- IBF Featherweight Champion.
Pereira is called sertao in his native land of Sao Caetano Do Sul, Brazil. He won the vacant title from Fahprakorb Rakkiatgym, by unanimous decision scores of 118-108 (all three judges). A former WBA Fedalatin titleholder (with one defense), Vlademir is best known for his split decision win over Emmanuel Lucerio (97-92, 95; 94; 94-95). TBA.
22. Wladimir Sidorinko (18-0, 6 KO’s)- WBA Regular Bantamweight Champion.
Sidorenko hails from Hamburg, Germany; and was legally born Wolodymyr Sydorenko. Who says re-arranging letters in a word can’t actually make more sense? Sidorenko won the vacant WBA title by defeating Julio Zarate by unanimous decision (118-111, 117-112: and 116-111). He has made one title defense, that being versus Jose Lopez [(also a unanimous decision victory, 119-109 (twice); and 118-111)]. Ironically enough, he is scheduled to fight Ricardo Cordoba (27-1), who was beaten by interim titlist Poonsawat Kratingdaengym. At least the WBA hasn’t made Cordoba the regular interim belt holder.
21. Poonsawat Kratingdaengym (24-0, 15 KO’s)- WBA Interim Bantamweight Champion.
The only thing more confusing than interim, regular, super and emeritus champions in boxing, is the bizarre naming sequence of Oriental prizefighters. So named after his local gym affiliation, this fighter lives in Sakolnakorn, Thailand. He is actually named Prakorb Udomna- alrighty then. Kratingdaengym claimed the vacant, interim title from Ricardo Cordoba via split decision (by official scores of 116-113, 116-114; and 111-118). He has made one ‘interim title defense’, notably besting Leo Gamez [(120-109; and 119-110 (twice)]. In the spirit of fairness, it should be pointed out that Poonsawat did make 17 consecutive PABA title defenses; and is a former WBA Fedalatin titlist, with 3 title defenses early in his career. Here’s hoping he and Wladimir Sidorenko- the regular champion- actually fight, to determine who the real, regular champion is. TBA.
20. Sergiy Dzinziruk (31-0, 21 KO’s)- WBO Junior Middleweight Champion.
Dzinziruk- also known as Dzyna and ‘the Razor’- defeated the respectable Daniel Santos (29-3-1) via 12 round unanimous decision (115-112, three times) to claim his title. The Ukrainian transplant is now a staple fighter out of Hamburg, Germany. Though Sergiy has faced relatively ‘green’ opposition, he is a former EBU belt holder, having made two title defenses, plus won the WBO Intercontinental title, having made one successful defense. Just how bad has his quality of opposition been? Well, besides his breakthrough win over Santos, his next major victory was over Mamadau Thiam when he stopped him in three rounds to claim the vacant WBO I/C trinket. TBA.
19. Nicolay Valuev (43-0, 31 KO’s)- WBA Heavyweight Champion.
‘The Beast from the East’ actually lives in St. Petersburg, Russia. He laid claim to the WBA title by besting John Ruiz in a controversial majority decision victory (116-114, 116-113; 114-114). Winning close is nothing new for Valuev, as he narrowly escaped Larry Donald in a title elimination bout by scores of 117-112, 115-113, 114-114. A sound argument could be made that his undefeated record should reflect two straight losses. His notable wins are a 3rd round knockout of Clifford Etienne; and a 4th round disqualification victory over Gerald Nobles. Valuev is scheduled to face Owen Beck (25-2).
18. Thomas Adamek (30-0, 21 KO’s)- WBC Light Heavyweight Champion.Adamek is from Bielsko Bialo, Poland. All national stereotypes aside, he is no laughing matter. He won the vacant title from Paul Briggs, in a brutal, 12 round majority decision victory (by official scores of 117-113, 115-113: and 114-114). He’s made one title defense, recently defeating Thomas Ulrich by 6th round stoppage. The jury is still out whether this Thomas should be doubted in the church house; or shouted from the rough top, as a deserving titlist; or nondescript, fraudulent foe. It says here he holds his own against either Antonio Tarver or Glen Johnson, but loses both fights. TBA.
17. Omar Narvaez (20-0, 14 KO’s)- WBO Flyweight Champion.
Narvaez hails from Cordoba, Argentina, and is affectionately known in his own native homeland as el Huracan. Exactly how set he is- and what direction he will take- remains to be seen. Narvaez won the title with a lopsided, unanimous decision victory over Adonis Rivas, and has rattled off seven title defenses in a relatively short span. Simply put, he’d rank higher had he actually defeated a well-known foe. After coming off an 11th round technical knockout of Bernard Inom, Narvaez is stuck in neutral. TBA.
16. Arthur Abraham (19-0, 17 KO’s)- IBF Middleweight Champion.
Abraham- not to be confused with the Biblical character from ancient Palestine- is from Berlin, Germany. The only reason why he is champion, is because Jermain Taylor did not want to pay a 3% sanctioning fee to the New Jersey based sanctioning body, heretofore referred to as the Defendant, err, IBF. Most people don’t make the connection of an English sounding fighter actually hailing from a European heritage. Much is explained by viewing his birth certificate, announcing the proud birth of Avetik Abrahamyan. Arthur won the vacant title by beating Kingsley Ikeke in a stunning 5th round upset. He does have a quality win over Howard Eastman, having beaten the former number one ranked Middleweight contender quite handily (119-111, 116-112, 115-113). Abraham is also a former WBA Intercontinental and International titlist; having made two defenses of the former: and thus leaving me not knowing the difference between the latter. He is next scheduled to face Shannon Taylor (42-4-2) in an optional title defense bout.
15. Chris John (36-0-1)- WBA Featherweight Champion.
John is from Semarang, Indonesia, and changed his fighting name from Yohannes Christian John. ‘The Indonesian Thin Man’ is markedly different than the former Nicaraguan great Alexis Arguello who donned a similar sobriquet. More boxer than puncher, this finesse fighter laid claim to the ‘interim title’ by beating Oscar Leon via Split Decision win (116-111, 116-113; 112-116). He won the ‘regular title’ by defeating Osamu Sato (this time by unanimous decision victory, 120-109, 117-111, 116-113). I suppose it is only fitting that he is next scheduled to face the legitimate, World championJuan Manual Marquez (44-2-1). While I don’t see him winning, I certainly think he will account himself much better than common foe Derrick Gainer (whom Marquez chased all around the ring; and John boxed all over it). John has made two successful title defenses.
14. Juan Diaz (28-0, 14 KO’s)- WBA Lightweight Champion.
‘Baby Bull’ is Houston, Texas born, bred, raised and reigns, as perhaps the best-unknown fighter in the world. He won his title from the tough as nails Lakva Sim via unanimous decision win (118-111, 118-110, 116-112); and is scheduled to face him next in a rematch. The only thing that remains to be seen is whether Diaz can stop Kim this time. Diaz has made two successful title defenses over Julien Lorcy (also a unanimous decision victory, 119-109, 118-110 twice); and an impressive stoppage victory over former Roy Jones, Jr.s’ protégé Billy Irwin (TKO 9). Though relatively soft in the middle; this once ‘pudgy prospect’ has legitimately bloomed into ‘Lightweight lynch man’. He’s got game.
13. Vic Darchinyan (24-0, 19 KO’s)- IBF/IBO Flyweight Champion.
Since Jeff Fenech retired, Australia has been looking for a national, fighting hero. Now that Anthony Mundine and Danny Green have lost- and are set to face each other- it sure appears that Vic is well positioned to lay claim to 'the land down under’s' most acclaimed fighting champion. ‘The Raging Bull’ is an all out, action packed pressure fighter in the mold of Manny Pacquiao. He won the title by easily defeating Irene Pachecho in a major, stunning upset (TKO 11). Darchinyan has made two successful title defenses against Mzukisi Sikali (whom he won the IBO title from); and Jair Jiminez. This former Australian Flyweight; OBA Bantamweight titlist: and IBF Pan Pacific Flyweight belt holder (with three title defenses) is scheduled next to face Diosdado Gabi.
12. Brian Viloria (18-0, 12 KO’s)- WBC Junior Flyweight Champion.
‘The Hawaiian Punch’ is coming off a 1st round knockout and title-claiming bout versus Eric Ortiz riding a tsunami of torque and a tidal wave of talent. The former NABF Flyweight titlist made four successful defenses of that belt; and there is no reason to believe he won’t do even better with the WBC laurels in hand. Brian also was a WBC Young Flyweight belt holder, and made one title defense. He is set to face the tough, experienced and battle tested Jose Aguirre- the ultimate acid battery test for any fledging, fighting prospect- regardless if they taste great, or is less filling.
11. Zsolt Erdei (23-0, 14 KO’s)- WBO Light Heavyweight Champion.
Erdei or madar (meaning firebird) ranks this high because he is the first fighter thus far who can lay claim to being the lineal, World champion in his respective weight class. He has made four title defenses since he beat Julio Gonzalez by unanimous decision (by scores of 118-110 twice; 117-110). He is coming off a tougher than expected stoppage win against Mehdi Sahnoune (TKO 12) in which he nearly lost the fight. It remains to be seen if this Budapest, Hungary native is a short-termer on the world market; or is literally aspiring for greatness, being a hidden gem. He can box and bang. He’s proven to be durable- if not resilient- in also making 5 defenses of his WBO Intercontinental title. Let’s see if he can face and defeat Adamek, Tarver, Jones or Johnson. TBA.
10. Lorenzo Parra (27-0, 17 KO’s)- WBA Flyweight Champion.
Parra or el lencha is Aragua, Venezuela’s most favorite son. He legitimately lays claim to the crown, having bettered and beaten Eric Morel by unanimous decision win (116-111 twice; 115-112). He has also made five title defenses since his career defining victory. I think it goes without saying, but this former WBA Fedalatin Flyweight titlist (who made two defenses); and former WBA Fedebol Junior Flyweight belt holder (with three title defenses) is the real deal. I’d love to see him in against anyone under 118 pounds. TBA.
9. Miguel Cotto (25-0, 21 KO’s)- WBO Junior Welterweight Champion.
Cotto is from Caugas, Puerto Rico; he is tough: and he can fight. Whether he is the next Wilfredo Gomez; or the next Felix Trinidad, begs to differ. Talent enjoined, plus skill enveloped, that best describes the hard punching, sharp shooting Cotto. He won the vacant WBO title from Kelson Pinto (TKO 6), avenging an earlier Olympic loss. Along the way, he has defeated an impressive array of former champions (Randall Bailey, TKO6; DeMarcus Corley TKO5; Carlos Maussa TKO8; Cesar Bazan TKO11); and fledging contenders (Victoriano Sosa TKO4, Mohamad Abdullaev TKO9, Lovemore Ndou, W12). In his last fight, he struggled mightily against Richard Torres, before rallying to stop his foe in the 7th round. Cotto has now made 4 successful title defenses, and is ready for either Mayweather or Hatton. The former WBA Fedalatin and NABO titlist may get neither, if he does in fact fight Jose Louis Castillo. Either way, he’s in tough, having signed to face Gianluco Branco (36-1-1) in his next fight.
8. Mikkel Kessler (37-0, 28 KO’s)- WBA Super Middleweight Champion.
Kessler is called ‘the Viking Warrior’ in his native land of Copenhagen, Denmark. He first claimed the vacant IBA 168-pound title by defeating Dingaan Thobela on unanimous decision scores of 120-108 (all three judges). He made three title defenses of the WBC Intercontinental strap, besting Julio Cesar Green by 1st round stoppage. Mikkel was ready for center stage, and rose to the occasion, meeting and defeating Manny Siaca (TKO8) for the WBA title he now holds. He’s made two impressive title defenses, first against Anthony Mundine (W12, 120-108, 117-113, 116-112); and against Eric Lucas (TKO10). Whether outfighting former champions- or outfoxing would be belt holders- Kessler has quietly placed himself as the only other legitimate challenger for the Joe Calzaghe-Jeff Lacy unification bout winner. Either man is in for one heck of a fight. TBA.
7. Joan Guzman (24-0, 17 KO’s)- WBO Junior Featherweight Champion.
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic by birth; and el pequano Tyson by nickname. Can he rise in weight and defeat the bigger, stronger Scott Harrison at 126? That’s the four-pound wager, and four-dollar question. He won the vacant WBO title by beating Fabio Oliva (KO3). He has made two successful title defenses, in beating Agapito Sanchez (TKO 7) and Fernando Beltran, Jr. (W12, 117-111, 116-112, 115-113). It has been common knowledge that Guzman could no longer make 122 pounds (as is self evident by the fact that he has more non-title bouts than championship fights since 2002). Guzman made one defense of his Dominican Republic Featherweight belt; and NABO Junior Featherweight strap. He also won the WBO Latino and Intercontinental titles along the way. This much is true: when he and Scott Harrison do fight, somebody is going to get knocked out. I’m not so sure it won’t be the Scottish man.
6. Ivan Calderon (24-0, 5 KO’s)- WBO Strawweight/Minimumweight Champion.
If only el nino de hierro or ‘Iron Boy’ could punch as hard as he boxes well! Calderon (from Guaynabo, Puerto Rico) first came upon the scene when he won the lightly regarded NABO title. When he got his chance against reigning WBO champion Eduardo Marquez, he made the most of it. Ivan claimed the crown via 9th round technical decision. Since then, he has made seven title defenses, most notably against Alex Sanchez and Roberto Leyva; and oftentimes, as feature bout attraction headliner on major PPV fight cards. Calderon may very well be the next Mike McCallum, except he’s no ‘Body Snatcher’. He is a win getter, and that is all that counts. In February, he’s up against Isaac Bustos (24-7-3)- notch another win, and let’s hope for lucky knockout number six.
5. Jermain Taylor (25-0, 17 KO’s)- World, WBA, WBC, WBO Middleweight Champion.
Little Rock, Arkansas is not known for producing world-class fighters. Football players yes, and NCAA track champions’ galore- but the young gun that would upset the middleweight’s longest reigning, most successful title defense champion in history? Who would have thought it? Taylor has now posted back-to-back decision wins over future Hall of Famer Bernard Hopkins (W12, 115-113 all three judges; 115-113 twice, 112-116). Taylor is only the second main in Marquis of Queensbury pugilistic history to lay claim to all four major sanctioning titles simultaneously. Well, that notable distinction didn’t take long to become asterisked, did it? Taylor of course holds quality wins over Raul Marquez (TKO9), William Joppy (W12, 120-107 all three judges); and next faces Sam Soliman (31-8) or Winky Wright (50-3). As a former WBC Continental Americas champion with three defenses, Taylor may find himself the odd man out, if he does in fact lace them up against Wright. It’s the right fight: but wrong style. We’ll see if Jermain Taylor is the next Bernard Hopkins, or the most recent Michael Nunn. TBA.
4. Joe Calzaghe (40-0, 31 KO’s)- WBO Super Middleweight Champion.
‘The Italian Dragon’ or ‘Pride of Wales’ may be from Newbridge- and rarely comes across the draw bridge- but he can bang, box or brawl. The one-time British titlist claimed the vacant WBO Super Middleweight title in October 1997, by defeating Chris Eubank by unanimous decision (118-109, 188-110, 116-111). For the better part of a decade, he has methodically beat down, and periodically took on all comers, amassing seventeen title defenses. Yet, one thing has eluded him- universal recognition as the best fighter in his own division. He gets the chance to prove it when he faces fellow IBF kingpin Jeff Lacy in March. Along the way, Calzaghe has beaten a myriad of undeserving foes, but has clear and convincing victories over many good fighters, such as Robin Reid (SD 12, 116-11 twice, 111-116); Omar Sheika (TKO5); Charles Brewer (W12, 119-109, 118-111, 117-112): and Byron Mitchell (TKO 2). Whether Calzaghe holds up- and if Lacy can show up- will tell the difference between World Champion and would be king.
3. Jeff Lacy (21-0, 17 KO’s)- IBF/IBO Super Middleweight Champion.
Some may question why I have the St. Petersburg, Florida resident Lacy ranked so high, especially above Calzaghe who has more experience, victories, and accomplishments. After their March 2006 clash, I suspect everyone will agree that Lacy is indeed a very special fighter. I envision a powerful Jedi he shall become. Blessed with speed, size an strength, Lacy looks more like a Light Heavyweight ready for the Cruiserweight division, than he does a Super Middleweight one class removed from the Middleweights. He has four IBF and one IBO title defense under his belt (pardon the pun). He likewise made two defenses of his NABF and USBA titles, in addition to the four defenses of his WBC Continental Americas title. Lacy beat Omar Sheika and Robin Reid more impressively, decisively and definitively than Joe Calzaghe. All that remains is proving that his size does matter. It says here he stops the brilliant and gallant Calzaghe in six rounds.
2. Ricky Hatton (40-0, 30 KO’s)- World WBA, IBF Junior Welterweight Champion.
Hatton is the best British fighter I can ever recall, and that is saying a lot. Manchester, England has groomed a genuinely nice, comparatively tough Roberto Duran type of pressure fighter that we all can be proud of, and admire. Hatton made 15 successful title defenses of his WBO 140-pound title, and then laid claim to the British crown. He won the WBA International title, and then made 5 defenses of the WBO Intercontinental belt. No one, and I repeat no one, suspected that he would dismantle and destroy Kostya Tszyu in such an easy, systematic manner, as his 12th round TKO demonstrated. He’s already beaten Ray Oliveira (KO10), Michael Stewart (TKO5), Ben Tackie (W12, 120-109 twice, 118-110), and Vince Phillips (W12, 120-107, 120-108, 119-109). If and when he does face Miguel Cotto, I suspect it will be the fight of the year. TBA.
1. Floyd Mayweather, Jr. (35-0, 24 KO’s)- WBC Junior Welterweight Champion.
‘Pretty Boy’ may live in Vegas, but Grand Rapids, Michigan is still home. It’s hard to live up to the hype when your father fought Sugar Ray Leonard; and your uncle was a two-division champion. Not only has Floyd Mayeather, Jr. met the challenge, he has exceeded all expectations. Not only is Mayweather the best-undefeated champion in boxing, he may be the best pure boxer in the last 25 years. No one quite compares to Floyd in the quintessential areas of speed, skill, savvy, smarts and schooling. Already a three-division champion, Mayweather is knocking on the door of mortal greatness if he claims a title at Welterweight versus Zab Judah and Junior Middleweight against Oscar De La Hoya. His ledger reveals victories over a wealth of qualify fighters- first the WBO Junior Lightweight title versus Gernaro Hernandez (W12, 119-109, 117-109, 116-111); and then besting WBO Junior Lightweight champion Diego Corrales (TKO 10).
Mayweather made eight successful title defenses at 130 pounds; three title defenses of his WBC 135 pound title; but appears primed to vacate his WBC 140 pound title that he just won against Arturo Gatti (TKO6). One thing is sure- if he wants to claim his fourth WBC title, he’ll have to face Carlos Baldomir who shocked Judah just weeks ago. It says here with victories over Angel Manfredy (Tko2), Jose Luis Castillo (W12, W12); DeMarcus Corley (W12): and Sharmba Mitchell (TKO6), no one except Oscar De La Hoya has built a better body of work against qualify foes and such worthy opposition. I’d love to see Floyd lay claim to the WBC Welterweight title, and then meet ‘the Golden Boy’ in a WBC Junior Middleweight title, unification bout. Until then, we are stuck with him facing Zab Judah in April. It says here it won’t last long, but it will be a thing of beauty.
